In the Lords on Monday Lord Kitchener made a remark-
able appeal to the workers who are producing munitions of war, together with a warning as to the inevitable results of failing to increase the output. He explained that a very large number of orders had not been completed by the contract dates. The work of the new Armies as well as of the forces abroad bad been seriously hampered. As a rule the workmen could be complimented on their loyalty, but there had been enough irregular time-keeping, slack work, and absence markedly to affect the output. Drink and the restrictions of Trade Unions were partly responsible. He had heard there was a belief that the war was going so well that there was no need to work hard. "I can only say that the supply of mar material at the present moment and for the next two or three months is causing me very serious anxiety." The Government were trying to arrange that the workmen in armament factories should share in the benefits which were automatically conferred on the companies. Thesi workmen were on a kind of active service, and with the King's approval a medal would be granted to those who had worked loyally. The new Defence of the Realm Bill was then passed through all its stages. We are glad to record that Mr. Henderson and Mr. Barnes have strongly backed np Lord Kitchener's appeal.
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